Over 50 decomposing bodies found at Chicago funeral home; director's license suspended

Chicago authorities have uncovered a disturbing scene at the South Chicago Chapel funeral home, where over 50 bodies were found improperly stored and in advanced states of decomposition. This grim discovery has led to an investigation and the suspension of a funeral director's license.

The funeral home is operated by a couple who previously managed a crematorium that was also shut down due to inadequate handling of human remains. State officials from Illinois have taken action, suspending the license of one of the directors, citing "deplorable conditions" where bodies were kept without refrigeration.

Investigators from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office were notified by state and local authorities about the improper storage of bodies. Upon arrival, they found the remains in various stages of decomposition. The office stated that the process of evaluating the condition of the remains and identifying the deceased, along with obtaining death certificates, could take several days to ensure proper disposition.

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the defendant allowed multiple deceased individuals to be maintained in an unrefrigerated area in deplorable conditions, including a rodent infestation, which caused decomposition and a larval infestation in the bodies.

Neighbors reported a foul odor emanating from the funeral home. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation cited the "continuous practice of the defendant represents a danger to the safety, interest and public welfare" due to the "failure to maintain the deceased in a refrigerated area in deplorable conditions, including a rodent infestation, which caused decomposition and a larval infestation in the bodies."

While no arrests have been announced, city police are actively investigating the case. State business records indicate that Johanna Morgan established South Chicago Chapel Inc. in 2022, and her funeral director's license was temporarily suspended. Clark X. Morgan is also listed as president of the funeral home, and his license was reportedly revoked.

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The personnel are evaluating the condition of the remains and seeking documentation for the identification of the deceased, as well as death certificates. This process could take several days to ensure proper disposition.